The month of September is No Matter What…You Matter Suicide Prevention Month and For All Seasons urges all citizens to actively work toward the prevention of suicide and to reach out to one another and ASK – “Are you okay? LISTEN – without judgment, and SHARE – vital resources to promote an inclusive and mentally healthy community.
In the U.S., suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death for people ages 10 to 14 and 25 to 34. In Maryland, suicide is the 3rd leading cause of death for 10 to 34-year-olds. In 2021, 1 in 5 Maryland Mid-Shore teens ages 14 to 17 attempted suicide at least once. These statistics are staggering, and these deaths are often preventable.
According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, as a parent, you can approach suicide prevention in the same way you do other safety or health issues for your children. By educating yourself, you can learn what puts kids at greatest risk for suicide – and what protects them most strongly. There is no single cause for suicide. Suicide most often occurs when stressors and health issues converge to create an experience of hopelessness and despair. Depression is the most common condition associated with suicide, and it is often undiagnosed or untreated. Conditions like depression, anxiety, and substance problems, especially when unaddressed, increase the risk of suicide.
According to Mental Health America, there are many tips parents can follow to help them in parenting once school starts each year regarding their children’s mental health. One is for parents to encourage communication with their children, letting their children know that they can talk to them about anything and listen to what they have to say. Another strategy is in stressful situations, parents can allow their children some time and space to regain control over themselves, this encourages self-regulation rather than inflaming a tense situation. Additionally, parents should check their tone, framing their approach to addressing problem behaviors from a place of care and concern, not anger. If you use an accusatory tone, odds are your son or daughter will stop listening.
It has been proven that teens who stay socially connected and have strong, supportive relationships have a sense of meaning and belonging, helping to protect them against suicidal thoughts and behaviors. This can include finding someone to confide in like a friend, neighbor, co-worker, teacher, or coach; or someone who provides unconditional love and support, like a caregiver, parent, or family member; or an institution or organization with a culture of support like a school or place of employment; or people who share interests or experiences to provide a sense of belonging, like a club or sports team.
Most importantly, if you need suicide prevention resources and a step-by-step conversation guide visit: NoMatterWhatYouMatter.org. For All Seasons’ 24-Hour Crisis Hotlines are English 410.820.5600 and Español 410.829.6143. English/Español Text is 410.829.6143. For the National Suicide & Crisis Hotline: Dial 988.
For All Seasons Behavioral Health & Rape Crisis Center offers a range of mental health and crisis services to Maryland’s Eastern Shore. As the Mid-Shore’s only Rape Crisis Center, the agency provides advocacy, counseling, and education about sexual violence to over 200,000 residents.
